Vitamins for Spiritual Health (5)

Daily Devotions

April 21, 2014

“Are you in health, my brother?” 2 Sa 20:9 NKJV

Never withhold because times are hard. The Bible teaches that those who set their mind on “getting” always lose, whereas those who set their mind on “giving” always win. The story’s told of a dog walking across a bridge with a bone in his mouth. When he looked down into the river and saw his reflection, he thought it was another dog with a bigger bone. So he jumped in to get it—and drowned. Paul dedicates two entire chapters in the Bible to the subject of money. Perhaps that’s a good answer to those who say, “All the church ever talks about is money.” Since money is congealed sweat, coined time, coined talent, negotiable you, it’s one way in which you can give yourself to God. It’s not the only way, but it’s a very important way. So Paul writes: “Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others…Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous” (2 Co 9:6-11 NLT). Unless you practice generosity there’s no point asking God for more money. He doesn’t pour His blessing into pots, but into pipes; not into reservoirs, but into rivers that let it flow out. Getting the idea?